When businesses use eco-friendly commercial cleaning companies, they support the health of their employees and customers.
Here’s why: sustainable cleaning is all about using biological products that are safer for the environment and for the health of employees, customers and even the cleaning staff. The eco-friendly commitment extends beyond cleaning solutions to include re-useable mops and cloths that require less water and can be recycled. Being clean and green also reduces air and water pollution. It’s good for our planet and it’s good for business.
Commercial cleaning companies are beginning to make the transition. The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association says, “Green cleaning is arguably the No. 1 trend in the cleaning industry and is showing no signs of slowing down.”
Traditional cleaning solutions actually cause harm
If not eco-safe, commercial cleaning products can negatively affect employee and customer health in three basic ways:
- Triggering allergic reactions. Many non-green commercial cleaning products have powerful agents to meet sanitation requirements. These agents also cause red or itchy eyes, frequent sneezing, skin rashes or burns.
- Causing respiratory problems. Alcohol and ethanol in common cleaning solutions can, over repeated exposure, reduce lung capacity and cause a constant out-of-breath feeling.
- Damaging a person’s microbiome. Non-green cleaning supplies can’t distinguish between harmful bacteria on a work desk and the good bacteria inside our bodies that protect us from inflammation and fatigue. When the fumes of parabens, ammonia or triclocarban are inhaled, they cause harm inside humans by attacking a person’s microbiome.
Fortunately, now there are many eco-friendly cleaning products
Now that science is documenting the harms of traditional cleaning products, the cleaning industry is recognizing the benefits of green cleaning and product manufacturers are creating thousands of green-cleaning options for commercial cleaning companies to use. Among them are:
- General green anti-microbial cleaning solutions
- Re-useable mops and wringers
- Odor control products
- Recyclable trash bags and liners
- Dusters and mops that don’t add fibers to the air
- COVID-19 strength green disinfectants
These eco-friendly cleaning products are being adapted by commercial cleaning companies. One indication is that sales of eco-friendly cleaning products are growing at an annual rate of 8.5%, compared with a 4.1% growth in non-eco-friendly products.
How to identify eco-safe cleaning solutions
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is making it easier for purchasers to identify and use truly green cleaning products. They’ve launched the Safer Choice label for solutions that are better for human health and the environment. Additionally, their new Design for the Environment label addresses safety on antimicrobial products (disinfectants and sanitizers). And, the EPA has recommendations for cleaners, floor care and hand soap.
The big picture about green cleaning
By now, companies should insist on their commercial cleaning service using eco-friendly products. The products are readily available and are every bit as effective. More importantly, eco-friendly cleaning will eliminate the danger from traditional cleaning products that can harm employees and can harm the environment when improperly stored or discarded.